Summer Tables with Jo Purdy

In a quiet Yorkshire village, down a pretty country lane, is the home of Yorkshire creative and florist Jo Purdy of Hearts and Flowers. This Summer we headed out to visit Jo, who welcomed us into her studio and garden to learn a thing or two about how to dress our tables this Summer.

We love the opportunity to collaborate with fellow creatives, and we first met Jo when visiting Grand Get Togethers for their Winter Artisan Fair. Following that Jo styled some pieces for us to use at our Summer Feast there. We were truly inspired by the colourful posies and stunning centrepieces she designed for our day and instantly thought of her when we needed inspiration for our summer garden table settings.

Jo, a Lancastrian moved to North Yorkshire over 20 years ago, and was a social worker looking for a change. Using her creative talents she enrolled onto a Floristry degree course and blossomed into a full-time floral designer. Inspired very much by the nature that surrounds her, using her garden and a local grower to source beautiful, seasonal blooms.

Jo has a very much informal look. Weddings, workshops and events are her speciality, and she loves to inspire others. We believe it’s her relaxed manner that comes from years of following a creative path, that today is still a huge passion. This very much draws others in. Her calm and instinctive style makes putting together her beautiful displays, both large and small, simple.

Her garden, totally transformed in her hands, is just idyllic. In a classic English country style, it is laid with lawns, colourful flower filled borders and rambling climbers. We loved the hidden spots dotted with vintage garden furniture and objects, allowing us to enjoy shade or follow the sunshine. The perfect romantic spot with inspiration around every corner.

Jo has kindly shared her top tips for summer tables and we are delighted to share them with you.

Make the most of what you have

Forage in your own garden and countryside for grasses and wildflowers. Jo used a mix of flowers and foliage from her garden, with the addition of a few locally grown blooms from a local flower grower. It was an eclectic mix of colours, with nature providing the colour palette. Jo showed us how to use those foraged blooms and foliage, along with simple grasses, to create height and drama on your summer table.

Trawl your thrift shops

Jo had some beautiful vintage glassware finds for her colourful bud vases, and a glass bowl that we used as a centrepiece. Her studio was full of display pieces that were found in vintage and charity shops, along with repurposed glass jars. An inexpensive way to make your table setting truly unique. Use a collection of smaller bottles and vases across a table setting to vary your set up, make your look a little softer and the need to use fewer blooms. Jo’s top tip for navigating the sometimes breezy summer days was to use florists tack, or blu-tak to secure those vases to the table.

Use herbs for colour and scent

As part of your summer table setting, gather some herbs. They add depth of colour to summer inspired lighter tableware and we love the fragrance it brings to the table. Add to your vases or allow to ramble through your table settings. A sprig of fresh mint on a dinner plate makes all the difference.

Keep it eco friendly

Ditch the florist foam for your displays and use moss for support in your vases and pots, or source a vase ‘frog’ to support your blooms time and time again. Alternatively, use a collection of smaller bottles and vases across a table setting to vary your set up and make your look a little softer - avoiding the florist foam.

Our Favourites for a Summer Gathering

You've got your table setting covered, now you just need a feast to enjoy! Our Midsummer Feast Box is the perfect inspiration for your Summer gathering, packed with tasty Charlie & Ivy's products and simple recipes to help you throw the perfect Summer party.

Shop Charlie & Ivy's Feast Boxes